About the Swiss Army Librarian Blog

From 10/2006 to 2/2008, this blog was known as "herzogbr.net/blog" which is a stupid name for a blog. But I was new to blogging, and didn't realize it would stick. In 2/2008, I redid everything, complete with a new name. Mostly, I talk about library-related stuff, but few non-library posts sneak in occasionally (usually knitting, traveling, or whatever else I find interesting).

During my freshman year of college (1992-3), the guys on my floor got together and placed a huge order from the Smokey Mountain Knife Works catalog. I ordered a Swiss Army Knife, and I've carried it with me ever since. I use it all the time, too, to open boxes of tax forms, tightening loose screws (wherever I encounter them), cut away tree limbs from paths when I'm hiking, or let friends trim their split ends during long car rides. Most people who know me have become accustomed to me always having it, and claim it is a major defining feature of my personality.

If I had to summarize the job responsibilities of a librarian, "swiss army knife" comes pretty close. We've got to be ready to handle any request that comes along, from directing someone to the restroom to researching the propulsion physics behind the space shuttle. Not to mention check books in and out, shovel the walks, design websites, change light bulbs, give presentations, tactfully interact with unruly kids (and adults), balance million dollar budgets, and ensure that everyone has unmonitored access to whatever information or resources they need. Like a Swiss Army knife, librarians need to be ready with whatever tool is needed for the job at hand.

Why the Squares on the Background?
When I was in library school, one class project was to design a website for something we found interesting. I chose to make a minesweeper website (about the computer game). The background is what the game board looks like, and I've just kept it because I like it. I think all the little boxes appeal to my compulsions to categorize and organize things (I am a librarian, after all).